Soccer has been played for more than 2,000 years. An early version of football was played in China in the second and third century BC, according to FIFA's "History of Football" encyclopedia. 

Additional proof of related games has been discovered all around the world throughout history. However, the "Cambridge Rules" were not formally created until 1848.



A much more fascinating story is how soccer has transformed and is still changing in its modern incarnation.

Vintage Soccer Cleats 1800s


Modern Soccer Shoe


How Has Soccer Changed Over the Years?

Numerous aspects of soccer have changed over the years, including how it is played on the field, how it is managed off the field, and how fans have bonded with their clubs and players.

All significant changes in the game are fundamentally driven by five factors:
  • Technology
  • Media
  • Social media
  • Tactical development 
  • Style of play     
All contributed to soccer's evolution from a once-simple game to a global phenomenon involving much more than just 11 v 11 on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

Why has this occurred? What changes have occurred in soccer since its inception all those years ago? Look at it now.


How Have Soccer Rules Changed Through the Years?

Over time, there have been several changes to soccer regulations. The following are the significant adjustments you may not be aware of:
  • In 1869, goal kicks were introduced.
  • Goalposts didn't get crossbars until 1875!
  • In 1891, penalty kicks were first used.
  • In 1990, the offside rule as we know it now was adopted.
  • The pass back rule, which prohibits goalies from touching the ball with their hands after it has been intentionally passed to them, was first implemented in 1992.
  • In 2013, goal-line technology was introduced.
  • 2017 VAR was first introduced.
Soccer has seen significant transformation as with many industries as a result of technology, both internally and externally.

What Impact Has TV Had on Soccer?

There were no TVs when soccer was initially played. The BBC aired the first-ever soccer match on television on September 16, 1937.

It is still the most watched sport in the world more than 80 years later. In Russia, the 2018 World Cup was watched by more than 3.5 billion people.

That is over half of all humans on Earth! More games than ever before are being broadcast by sports networks.

The Premier League sold its television rights for a record $11.7 billion for the 2019–2022 season.
The broadcasting structure for Major League Soccer differs from the European game. The programming focus is more localized and varies from franchise to franchise.
Behind a video camera on the stand at a soccer game



How Does Social Media Affect Soccer?

Social Media Icons

The dynamic between fans and athletes has been significantly altered by social media. Unlike any previous technology, it offers a direct communication channel.

Teams, broadcasters, and players are now focusing on social media and all things mobile due to a shift in societal tendencies toward mobile devices.

Soccer franchises now use social media as their primary method of communication and as one of their most effective and significant marketing tools.

Not only does social media allow soccer organizations to share content with their followers, but it also encourages engagement with fans and helps build valuable relationships.

Each platform serves a different purpose and has changed the sport in a different manner. 

V.A.R

A Video-Assisted-Referee is an external official who reviews decisions made by the in-game referee through the use of video. V.A.R and the in-game referee communicate live via headset.

Assistant referee – Soccer

There has been no getting away from V.A.R since it was made available to a global audience in 2018. Since then, it has had a role in the two largest cup finals in international soccer:

Despite having a significant influence on the sport, V.A.R hasn't exactly received a warm reception.  Judgments made by V.A.R are still regularly disputed by players, coaches, pundits, and fans.

How Has Soccer Been Affected by VAR Technology?

This is magnified when in-game events are closely examined, which puts referee calls under close examination. Many people believe that V.A.R has ruined the game too much and brought forth too many undesirable changes.

It dulls the mood and slows down the game. Others think that it has shown problems with the rules themselves.

The counterargument concedes that V.A.R is a step in the right direction when it comes to the use of technology in sport, despite certain early-stage issues.

It will advance technology and help reduce human mistake (for the most part), leveling the playing field. People, get accustomed to it, V.A.R has permanently changed the rules of the game  and it’s here to stay!

Sports Science And The Advancement In Soccer

Sports science plays a major role in 21st-century soccer. Player diets, gym work, out-straining sessions, and recovery activities are carefully measured and analyzed.

At the highest level, much of team analysis is data-driven. Wearable technology is used to track player work-rate, distance covered and types of movements carried out in games and training. 

Sports science in soccer

 These upper body compression vests contain state-of-the-art athletic instruments used to gather data on every movement that a player makes.

This data can then be used to analyze players’ output and performance. It can also be used as a guide for recovery to ensure that injury preventative measures are being taken.

A huge emphasis is now placed on recovery in the modern game.

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